RUNAKL DELECIA FROM BRISTOL CONVICTED OF RAPE IN SOUTHAMPTON CITY CENTRE

A man identified as Runakl Shawn Delecia has been convicted of raping a 17-year-old girl in the heart of Southampton city centre during the early hours of a Sunday in 2023. The verdict was delivered after a six-day trial at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, 3 March, where the jury found Delecia guilty of the serious offence.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Delecia, aged 45 and residing on Lynton Road in Bristol, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. The incident in question occurred in the vicinity of Carlton Place, a well-known area within Southampton’s bustling city centre, at approximately 1:30 am on 9 April 2023. The victim, who was 17 at the time and is now 19, was approached by Delecia in a public space, where he then committed the assault.

Following the incident, police responded swiftly. They utilized CCTV footage and conducted inquiries with local clubs and establishments in the area to identify the suspect. These efforts led to the arrest of Runakl Shawn Delecia, who was subsequently charged with the offence of rape. Despite his initial denial of the allegations, the evidence presented during the trial was sufficient for the jury to reach a guilty verdict.

Delecia’s sentencing is scheduled to take place at Southampton Crown Court at a later date. The case has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the crime and the fact that the offender is from Bristol, highlighting the reach of law enforcement in addressing such offences regardless of geographical boundaries.